The Rise of Online Tutoring in the UK: What Parents Should Know

Online tutoring has seen a significant surge in the UK. Its use has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and advances in digital technology. Familiarity with online white boards and video conferencing software allows students to connect with qualified tutors nationwide, making learning more accessible than ever.

Research from the Sutton Trust shows that online tuition can be as effective as face-to-face lessons when delivered with structured content, interactive tools, and real-time feedback. Benefits include

  • flexibility in scheduling,

  • access to specialist tutors across subjects,

  • and the ability to continue learning from home,

  • improved scores and grades,

  • significantly raised aspirations.

Parents should look for tutors who use interactive whiteboards, digital resources, and regular assessments to ensure lessons remain engaging and effective. While some children benefit from the social interaction of in-person sessions, a blended approach often maximises both convenience and learning outcomes.

A shift to educating online doesn’t come without its own problems. Parents may struggle with using the technology their children are very familiar with, they may worry about the time their children are spending infront of a screen, or have concerns about data exploitation or the effectiveness of learning remotely.

This is where online tuition differs from traditional online learning. A good online tutor is able to work like they are in the room with a student. Technology facilitates this personal relationship - children aren’t left filling in worksheets or completing online tasks. There is constant feedback and engagement which benefits students far more than online courses can.

Online tutoring is not just a short-term trend; it is likely to remain a key feature of the UK education landscape, the government is increasing funding for delivering education remotely and many schools have already shifted some if not all of their resources and some of their teaching online.

If you would like to find out more, or have any questions about how private tuition can help, please do fill in the contact form and we will be in touch.

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